Hiking in MS – Visit Mississippi

Hiking in Mississippi

Whether you’re out for a day hike or an extended backpacking excursion into the wilderness, the six National Forests in Mississippi provide excellent opportunities for outdoor adventures on foot. Mississippi has 1.2 million acres of forest, providing a diversity of terrain, and numerous lakes, rivers, and streams. Some trails are easy and can accommodate families with small children. Other paths make great half-day hikes, while some trails can lead to a backpacking adventure for a night or longer. Discover the hidden beauty of the piney woods by hiking one of Mississippi’s longest and most challenging trails, The Black Creek Trail. It continues for 40 miles along the Black Creek River. About 10 miles of the trail goes through the Black Creek Wilderness. In addition to our National Forests, Mississippi’s state parks also offer many trails that are open for exploration and adventure, along with camping and fishing opportunities. For more information, request a tour guide, use our trip planner, check out some of the places to visit, or contact us today to start planning your trip.

Tanglefoot Trail

Pontotoc FEATURED

The Tanglefoot Trail® is Mississippi’s longest Rails to Trails conversion, meandering 43.6 miles through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area. It is here you will experience a bit of our history as you pass […]

Ross Barnett Reservoir

FEATURED

The Ross Barnett Reservoir is Central Mississippi’s largest recreational area, offering a variety of parks and recreation, as well as different reservoir services. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. The reservoir also provides […]

Natchez Trace Parkway

Tupelo FEATURED

Stretching from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, the Natchez Trace is the crown jewel of Mississippi’s scenic roadways. The 444-mile recreational road is managed by the National Park Service and is truly unlike any other scenic route in the country, […]

South Campus Rail Trail

Oxford FEATURED

Formerly known as the Whirlpool Trails or Thacker Mountain Rail Trail, the South Campus Rail Trail is a network of single tracks trails adjacent to the Ole Miss campus and easy cycling distance from downtown Oxford. Access to the trails […]

Live Oaks Bike Trail

Ocean Springs FEATURED

The 15.5 mile round-trip Live Oaks Bicycle Route connects the Davis Bayou Area of the Seashore to the town of Ocean Springs at the Old Louisville and Nashville Train Depot. Follow the green and white bike-route signs on the right side of […]

Tishomingo State Park

Tishomingo FEATURED

Tishomingo State Park is a public recreation area located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Tishomingo County. The park is located at Milepost 304 of Natchez Trace Parkway and features rock outcroppings, waterfalls, and a swinging pedestrian bridge […]

Vicksburg National Military Park

Vicksburg FEATURED

Commemorating one of the Civil War’s pivotal campaigns, Vicksburg National Military Park is arguably Mississippi’s most renowned historical attraction. Confederate President Jefferson Davis himself referred to Vicksburg as the “nailhead that holds the South’s two halves together,” and there’s no […]

Longleaf Trace

Hattiesburg FEATURED

The Longleaf Trace is South Mississippi’s premier running, biking, hiking, and equestrian trail. The 44-mile linear park extends from Hattiesburg (elevation 220′) through Sumrall (290′), Bassfield (460′), and Carson to Prentiss (336′). A Rails-To-Trails conversion, the trail is 10 feet wide and […]

Jeff Busby Park

Ackerman

Located on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Ackerman Mississippi, Jeff Busby Park is a park maintained by the National Park Service, offering an18-site campground, picnic tables, restrooms, and trails. The park includes a 1.8 mile loop trail that takes you […]

Rocky Springs

Hermanville

Located just off the Natchez Trace near Port Gibson, Rocky Springs Campground offers visitors an opportunity to camp near the “ghost town” of Rocky Springs, a small town that was abandoned by its residents for a variety of reasons in […]

Cypress Swamp

Canton

Cypress Swamp is a popular stop along the Natchez Trace Parkway, offering a half-mile scenic boardwalk trail that winds through towering bald cypress and tupelo trees, providing a glimpse into the state’s rich natural beauty and diverse wildlife, with the […]

Old Trace Park

Ridgeland

Located in Ridgeland on the Ross Barnett Reservoir, Old Trace Park offers a variety of amenities including paved walking trails, picnic pavilions,18-hole disc golf, a dog park, a recreation center, and scenic water view. The park is managed by the […]